12 Warning Signs Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Children

Probably vitamin D is the most critical micronutrient for bone strength and immune system. Vitamin D, along with parathyroid hormone, helps stimulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which in turn enhances calcium deposition to build up the bone in the body. The adequate supply of vitamin D in the body is essential for calcium and phosphorus to be incorporated in bone tissue. This vitamin is also considered to be a necessary micronutrient for regulating the body’s internal balance of calcium and phosphorus. Also, proper vitamin D supplementation can help prevent many other serious health problems. Lack of vitamin D can cause some unexpected affection for human, especially the children. It is the leading cause of rickets and slow eruption in young children. However, many mothers are unaware of the importance of vitamin D to the development of children and often ignore the abnormalities that are symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children. In today’s article, we will give 12 warning signs of vitamin D deficiency in children to help the mothers readily recognize this health problem in children.

Soft Skull

The infant’s skull is still unconnected, with spaces between them, called joints. Usually, the baby’s head will connect and harden after 19 weeks. However, if your baby is vitamin D deficient, this process can be impeded. You will still feel your baby’s skull softened even if the baby is 19 weeks old. This is a dangerous condition for babies as it can increase the risk of brain injury.

Sweat Theft

Frequently, children show a little sweat if it is too hot. However, if your baby sweats too much, especially at night or when it’s cold, you should take him to the doctor as the cause may be the D vitamin shortage. However, do not worry about that, vitamin D deficiency can be treated quickly. If detected early, you can protect your child from other serious complications.

Bone Deformities

Vitamin D deficiency also affects the development of bone in children. Rickets is an outstanding sign of bone deformity showing that your baby is vitamin D deficient. Spinal curvature, abnormal growth of leg and sternum are also the symptoms of bone deformity.

Slow Development

If your children lack vitamin D, it will take them a lot of time to reach milestones. Some of the most visible signs are that they crawl on their own or stand up slower than usual. You may also notice some abnormal bone growth swells their hands and legs. Take your child to a doctor if you realize that your children have these symptoms.

Muscle And Joint Weakness

Vitamin D deficiency makes it difficult for your children to lift the head and limbs. It also causes children to feel uncomfortable, aches and pains, leading to crying without any reason. If you often see your baby crying abnormally despite being full and clean, take them to the hospital for a check-up because they may be deficient in vitamin D.

Respiratory Tract Infections

Vitamin D deficiency also leads to a weak immune system. Therefore, children are more likely to catch a cold or develop respiratory infections than others. If your baby usually gets some diseases such as cold, fever, etc., you should take your child to the hospital to see whether they have vitamin D deficiency or not.

Late Eruption

Children with vitamin D deficiency often have later teeth eruption than normal ones. So, if your child has slow teething abnormally, take them for a check-up and have appropriate vitamin D supplements.

Tooth Decay

One of the earliest signs of vitamin D deficiency is that babies begin to develop dental problems due to weakened teeth. Doctors also point out that children with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to tooth decay than other ones.

Stomach Problems

If your baby regularly has abdominal pain, it may be due to vitamin D deficiency. However, not all stomach problems come from this cause, so you should take your child to the hospital for check-up to have exact result.

Muscle Cramps, Seizure

Vitamin D deficiency is also manifested by symptoms such as cramps, seizures, and difficulty breathing. The children with vitamin D deficiency usually suffer from these symptoms, which the mothers can quickly identify.

Difficult Breathing

Vitamin D deficiency causes the baby’s rib cage to develop abnormally. Their rib cage becomes softer than usual so they will get some difficulties when breathing.

Impaired Wound Healing

The impaired healing of a wound is also a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is one of the essential elements in the formation of new skin – a crucial part of the wound healing process. In addition, vitamin D also has the capacity to control inflammation and infection, so it is beneficial for faster wound healing.

Here are 12 warning signs of vitamin D deficiency in children. Hopefully, they are useful for mothers to nurture and ensure the strong growth for their children. All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.

Author Bio:

This guest post is by Emily Pham, a blogger with many years of experience in searching the best natural home remedies for beauty and health issues.